Is a CO2 laser treatment right for me?

Your skin thickness, texture, and tone will influence whether you’re a good candidate for a CO2 laser treatment. There may be more risks if you have a darker skin tone, but a qualified professional will choose safe settings and help you decide.

You might be a good candidate for a CO2 laser treatment if you have:

a light to medium skin tone
CO2 laser can cause discoloration on darker skin tones. Dr Channey will help determine if you are a good candidate.

clear, acne-free skin
You should not have a laser treatment if you have active acne.

fine lines and wrinkles
CO2 laser treatments may not be effective for deep wrinkles or excessive sagging.

the ability to avoid direct sun for several months
Your skin will be more sensitive after laser treatment, so you’ll have to stay out of the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

To view our most common questions concerning Co2 treatments as well as what to expect with the procedure visit our Co2 Laser Faq'ssection.

Are there side effects?

Side effects and healing time may vary, but swelling, redness and skin crusting are to be expected. Redness normally lasts for several days to weeks. Pre-treatment consultations will ensure you are a good candidate and fully informed of the extent of your procedure, the recovery period and how soon you will be able to see the full results of your skin resurfacing.

What's the difference between ablative and non-ablative CO2 laser treatments?

Ablative lasers remove the top layer of your skin, so they’re the most effective at treating wrinkles, scars, and other skin concerns.

Non-ablative lasers are less invasive, using heat to stimulate cells and thicken the underlying collagen to improve your skin tone and elasticity.

Ablative resurfacing actually removes skin and causes significant downtime for healing. Non-ablative does not remove all skin for a more rapid recovery.

What is a fractional CO2 laser?

A traditional CO2 laser produces dramatic results, but with the risk of significant side effects. When a laser is fractional, or fractionated, the laser removes only a part of your skin’s surface. The laser works in a pattern, destroying some parts of the skin and leaving others intact. By leaving part of the skin undamaged, there is a faster healing time and fewer complications.

Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing produces wonderful and dramatic results. The fractional CO2 laser can be performed in a more aggressive mode for acne scars, lines, wrinkles, and for more aggressive skin tightening, or it can be used in a microablative mode for complexion, quality, pores, and sun damage.

How much does a CO2 laser treatment cost?

The cost of a CO2 laser treatment begins around $499 for small areas. Your cost will vary based on the size of the area and number of treatments needed.

What should I expect during a CO2 laser treatment?

You will receive a topical numbing cream to make the process more comfortable.

A CO2 laser treatment typically takes about an hour to complete. After the procedure, your skin may be covered with petroleum jelly like Aquaphor.

How many treatments will I need?

Your provider will help you determine the number of CO2 laser treatments you’ll need to reach your skin goals. Typically, you’ll start with one treatment, and wait for results to appear over several months later before determining if another treatment is needed.

Results of a CO2 treatment vary based on skin quality and thickness, and the settings used on the treatment.

With more aggressive settings, many patients notice significant improvement with one treatment.

What are the potential risks and side effects of a CO2 laser treatment?

Newer ablative CO2 laser treatments pose little risk for scarring or blistering. Hyperpigmentation is a potential risk if you have olive or darker skin.

Currently, the gold standard C02 lasers are fractionated, offering increased control and faster healing as well as a reduction in side effects, like hypopigmentation.”

The Time is now

You don’t need to live with skin imperfections that make you feel bad about how you look! CO2 laser treatment rejuvenates your skin and restores your youthful complexion. To find out how CO2 laser resurfacing can help you achieve the flawless skin you deserve, schedule an appointment today.

To find out if a fractionated CO2 laser treatment with Dr Channey is right for you, click the link below or call us at 954.361.3343 to schedule a consultation.

Before and After 2 treatments with IPL Laser.

IPL Laser Treatment

IPL is similar to a laser treatment. However, a laser focuses just one wavelength of light at your skin, while IPL releases light of many different wavelengths, like a photo flash.

The light from IPL is more scattered and less focused than a laser. IPL penetrates down to the second layer of your skin (dermis) without harming the top layer (epidermis), so it causes less damage to your skin.

Pigment cells in your skin absorb the light energy, which is converted into heat. The heat destroys the unwanted pigment to clear up freckles and other spots.

Is IPL treatment right for me?

IPL might be a good choice for you if:

you have a light to medium skin tone
IPL can be used for darker skin tones, but typically there are better options.

you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
Most cosmetic procedures aren’t recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

you can avoid direct sun for several monthsYour skin will be more sensitive after IPL, so you’ll have to stay out of the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

To view our most common questions concerning IPL treatments as well as what to expect with the procedure visit our IPL Faq'ssection.